Baculoviridae
- Pronunciation
- /bak-yoo-LOH-vir-i-dee/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Baculovirus
- Plural
- Baculoviruses
Definition
A family of viruses that infect insects, characterized by their large size, rod-shaped particles, and ability to cause disease outbreaks in susceptible insect populations.
Etymology
From Latin 'baculum', meaning 'stick', referring to the rod-shaped virions.
Example
The Baculovirus genus, including *Bombyx mori nucleopolyhedrovirus*, is responsible for causing a fatal disease in silkworm moths.
Related Terms
- Insects
- Viruses
- Disease outbreaks
- Biological control
Usage Notes
Baculoviruses are often used as biopesticides due to their specificity and effectiveness against target insect pests.